The NFL and Dallas Cowboys community are mourning the tragic loss of Marshawn Kneeland, the promising second-year defensive end, who died at the age of 24. Authorities have revealed new details about the events leading up to his death, including a late-night police chase north of Dallas and concerns over his mental health.

Police Chase and Crash

On the night of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Marshawn Kneeland was involved in a high-speed incident that ended tragically. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers attempted to pull over Kneeland on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Boulevard for a traffic violation. According to authorities, he refused to stop, prompting a pursuit.

The chase ended when Kneeland’s vehicle crashed in the southbound lanes of the Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway in Frisco at approximately 10:39 p.m. The driver fled on foot from the scene, sparking a coordinated search involving DPS aircraft, troopers, and the Frisco Police Department.

Discovery and Investigation

Authorities located Kneeland about three hours later at 1:31 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, in the immediate vicinity of his crashed vehicle. Officials confirmed he had died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, and authorities are investigating the incident as a possible suicide.

Frisco police disclosed that during the search, officers received information indicating Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations, highlighting the mental health struggles he may have been facing. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine his official cause of death.

Career Milestones and NFL Legacy

Kneeland’s death occurred just 48 hours after scoring his first NFL touchdown on Monday Night Football, marking a career highlight for the talented young athlete. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Kneeland quickly became a rising star in the league.

During his short career, Kneeland made significant on-field contributions, including recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown in a game against the Arizona Cardinals earlier that week. Teammates, fans, and coaches have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a player who showed both promise and dedication.

Statements from the Cowboys and Agent

The Dallas Cowboys released a statement expressing their grief:

“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”

Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, also expressed his heartbreak:

“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” he said, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Mental Health Awareness

This tragedy underscores the importance of mental health support, particularly for athletes under intense pressure. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat with trained counselors at 988lifeline.org, available 24/7.

Remembering Marshawn Kneeland

Marshawn Kneeland’s passing is a profound loss to the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys, and fans around the world. His brief but promising career highlighted his athletic talent, commitment, and passion for the game, and his legacy will be remembered by teammates, coaches, and the broader football community.

The Dallas Cowboys and NFL teams nationwide honored Kneeland with moments of silence in his memory, including international recognition during the Colts-Falcons game in Berlin, Germany.